The Vancouver Canucks are making an effort to retain Nikita Zadorov. Following the news around a possible Zadorov extension feels like a rollercoaster ride. Reports tend to fluctuate between the Canucks being all-in on extending Zadorov and the two sides being miles apart. Recent reports indicate that the Canucks changes of retaining Zadorov are ‘bleak.'
Zadorov is represented by his agent, Dan Milstein, who recently posted a revealing message on social media. Milstein commented on a post that claimed traction is being made between Vancouver and Zadorov on an agreement. Milstein simply said “fake news.”
There is also reporting from Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal to consider.
Dhaliwal has reportedly been texting with Milstein every day. He claims that Vancouver and Zadorov have not had talks for ‘a while.'
Dhaliwal went on to say that “one phone call can change everything, but right now I have to say to you it looks bleak.”
The term of any new contract appears to be the biggest priority for Zadorov's camp. There may also be a gap between what Vancouver can afford and what Zadorov would like to be paid.
If Zadorov does reach free agency, he will be a hot commodity. Possible suitors for Zadorov include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils. Each of these teams have been connected to Zadorov in the past, with the Devils in particular attempting to land him earlier in the 2023-24 season.
Previewing the 2024 offseason for the Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have a lot of work to do this offseason if they don't want a repeat of the 2023-24 season. Vancouver was eliminated in Game 7 of their playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers.
The first step will be retaining as many key players as possible. Vancouver has a laundry list of players with expiring contracts, so they will need to decide which UFAs and RFAs to keep. In total, Vancouver is looking at nine UFAs and two RFAs whom they'll have to make decisions on.
We've already talked about Zadorov, which currently doesn't look close to happening. Elias Lindholm is another star player that Vancouver would probably like to retain. However, he could likely earn a lot more money by entering free agency.
Other unrestricted free agents include Teddy Bleuger, Dakota Johsua, Sam Lafferty, Tyler Myers, Ian Cole, Mark Friedman, and Casey DeSmith. We also can't forget about restricted free agents Filip Hronek and Arturs Silovs.
The only easy decision in the bunch is to be sure to retain Silovs. He was very impressive in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and it seems foolish to not want to bring him back.
The Canucks could also use some more firepower on offense, particularly a high-scoring forward. This may be one position to swing for the fences at, considering there's a big difference between the production of star forwards and replacement-level players. Jake Guentzel would fit the bill, though he could be very difficult to acquire.
Vancouver will also need to make smart decisions during the 2024 NHL Draft. Their war chest is almost empty this year, so they will need to make the most of their four draft picks, the earliest of which comes in the third round.
It will be exciting to see what moves Vancouver decides to make throughout the summer.
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